April 1
No divers noted
Manx Shearwater: 2 flying south and then settling on the water out from the mouth of Calgary Bay NM3250 (first for Mull). Another shearwater seen further out and flying north at the same time was probably this species
Grey Heron: 1
Mallard: a pair on south side of Calgary Bay
Curlew: First heard in song at the Farm and at Calgary Bay
Common Gull: First pair forming noticed
Oystercatcher: flock of 15 at Calgary beach
Common Gull: flock of 30 at Calgary beach
Guillemot/Razorbill: 4 swimming and 4 flying at mouth of Calgary Bay and later a few small groups flying south far out at sea
Black Guillemot: 1 at the mouth of Calgary Bay (north side)
Guillemot: 1 at mouth of Calgary Bay (first definite sighting although very few auks are near enough to identify)
Starling: 60 at dusk by Treshnish House
Skylark: Singing more consistently when sunny
Northern Wheatear: 1 on southern edge of Calgary Bay (NM3650)
April 2
Shag: 34 perched on two rocks on Treshnish headland. There were only 2 Cormorants which gives a rough idea of the ratio of the two species
Fulmar: none sitting on ledges at Treshnish headland although there were 1-2 noted flying very close to the cliff
Manx Shearwater: 10+ flying around the fish shoals far out at the mouth of Calgary Bay (NM3250)
Eider: 3
Golden Eagle: 2 on Treshnish.
White-tailed Eagle: 1 immature passed along the shoreline from Treshnish Point to below the house and then heading towards Calgary beach. It had small red and white wing tags on each wing. It was thought to be a second year bird
Buzzards: 3 over the Treshnish wood area; one was tolerated for a while in collective (gliding into the wind type hunting) flight but was then chased off. Sky-diving also observed
Redshank: 1
Snipe: 1
Great Skua: 1 flew low around Treshnish Point, NM3348 (first for Mull)
Guillemot/Razorbill: At mid day there were flocks of 5-20 flying by, far out, every few minutes. By late-afternoon on there were few
Rock Dove: a pair perched on ledge at Treshnish headland were probably breeding or preparing to breed. There was probably another bird (pair?) there also
Skylark: no flocks noted today
Starling: no flocks noted today
Northern Wheatear: a pair and later a female (possibly same) NM3448
Overview April 1-2
Manx Shearwater are present in Sound of Coll and one Great Skua was seen. Northern Wheatear are present at Treshnish Farm and there has been an increase in Pied Wagtail numbers and territorial disputes occur occasionally. The Skylark flock appears to have dispersed. There is probably a Buzzard breeding in the woods on Treshnish Farm.
April 3
Buzzard: 2 and one calling and sky-diving
Kittiwake: 3 adults (first adults)
Manx Shearwater: 1
Eider: 3
Great Northern Diver: 1
Merlin: 1
Snipe: 1
Curlew: a pair with 1 calling
Starling: flock of about 25 (and another flock of about 20 possibly the same birds)
Northern Wheatear: 2
April 4
Manx Shearwater: none seen with several short periods of sea-watching
Grey Heron: 1 at Dervaig, 1 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Common Teal: a pair at Dervaig, 4 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Wigeon: 3 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 6+ at Dervaig
Goldeneye: 1 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 6 at mouth of Dervaig Loch
Mallard: 3 at Dervaig and 3 at the mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Greylag Goose: 9+around Dervaig and 2 between Dervaig and Calgary
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Dervaig
Kestrel: 1 at Dervaig
Curlew: 5 at Dervaig
Redshank: 9 at Dervaig
Greenshank: 1 at Dervaig
Lapwing: 9 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Common Gull: flock of 30 and 3+ singles at Dervaig
Collared Dove: 6+ at Dervaig
Redwing: 9+ north of Quinish House, Dervaig
Mistle Thrush: several around Dervaig and north of Quinish House, Dervaig
Northern Wheatear: none seen north of Dervaig, perhaps the northern winds have slowed down their arrival
April 5
Golden Eagle: 1 above Ensay, 1 at Treshnish
Starling: flock of about 15 in the morning and 5 the evening
Wheatear: 10 between Haunn and Crackaig, one male was singing and displaying beautifully, fanning and displaying his tail (this species is now seen daily and no further note is necessary for Treshnish)
Meadow Pipit: a flock of over 60 near Crackaig, very few elsewhere on this cold damp day
Skylark: none noted!
Redwing: 1 by Shian cottage (the last of the season)
Linnet: 1 tame individual at Haunn may have been sick or injured (the first of this common, presumably local migrant)
No birds of any species, except Hooded Crow, noted at all, on a walk inland from Crackaig to Treshnish House during mild rain
April 6
Red-throated Diver: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Gannet: 2 at mouth of Calgary Bay
Eider: 3
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary beach
Mallard: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Golden Eagle: 2 at Calgary. One seen later between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Peregrine Falcon: 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Oystercatcher: 20 Calgary beach
Redshank: 1 Calgary beach
Common Gull: flock of 47 Calgary beach (all but one adults)
Razorbill: 2 near Calgary beach
Guillemot: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Starling: flock of 60+
April 8
Golden Eagle: 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
April 9
Whooper Swan: 17 flew from the east? and landed on the small lochan to the northeast of Treshnish House, stayed for about 5 hours, apparently there was a flock there also in October
Hen Harrier: 1 male over the low-lying area between Haunn and Treshnish Point, flew south
Sparrowhawk: 1 over Ensay House flew to Treshnish Farm
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Gannet: 1 in Calgary Bay
Fieldfare: 2 amongst a flock of Starlings in Treshnish wood by Ensay Burn
Skylark: flock of about 10
Meadow Pipit: flock of about 8
Starling: flock of about 20 in Treshnish wood and Ensay House
Goldcrest: one in Treshnish wood was displaying an incredibly vivid orange crest. Song heard also
Pied Wagtail: alarm call when Sparrowhawk flew over was a song given in flight
Overview April 3-9
Cold, wet weather with northerly winds may have slowed down the migration of winter migrant thrushes as several were noted this week, some may have been on passage from further south. Certainly Skylarks and Meadow Pipits are only singing sporadically; Goldcrest and Northern Wheatear were also heard singing and seen displaying. The flocks of Starlings, Common Gull and Greylag Goose are still intact although the Oystercatcher flock at Calgary beach has not been seen since the 6th of April. No Snipe were noted although this may be a result of lack of observer coverage.
April 10
Great Northern Diver: 2 at Calgary Bay, south side (incl. 1 in breeding plumage)
Gannet: 1
Greylag Goose: 6 east of Calgary, 37+ west of Tobermory
Eider Duck: 2 at Calgary Bay, 2 at Dervaig
Common Teal: 7 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: a pair at Calgary Bay (south side), 7 at Dervaig
Mallard: 2 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch an Torr, 2 at Mishnish Lochs
Goldeneye: 1 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch an Torr, 7 at Mishnish Lochs. This includes at least 3 adults in breeding plumage.
Black Guillemot: 3+ Calgary Bay (south side)
Guillemot: 1
Guillemot/Razorbill: several
Common Gull: 34 at Calgary Bay,
Arctic Skua: 2 flying south across the mouth of Calgary Bay, NM3349 (first for Mull)
Oystercatcher: only three at Calgary Bay
Redshank: 2 at Dervaig
Greenshank: 2 at Dervaig
Curlew: 1 at Dervaig, 1 at Calgary
Collared Dove: 2 at Dervaig
Starling: flock of 93 near Ensay House
Northern Wheatear: a male singing and displaying at Calgary Bay (south side)
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Dervaig
April 11
Great Northern Diver: 2 at Calgary Bay (incl. one in breeding plumage on the south side, presumably the same individual as yesterday)
Manx Shearwater: 11+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay
Gannet: 6+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay, 1 in the Bay itself.
Fulmar: 7+ individuals at the mouth of Calgary Bay, several far out may have been this species
Whooper Swan: about 17 seen flying above Treshnish House, presumably the same flock as on the 9th April
Red-breasted Merganser: 3 at Calgary Bay
Mallard: 2 at Calgary Bay
Golden Eagle: 1 at Treshnish
Buzzard: nest located at Ensay Burn wood hopefully the deer-fencing occurring in the wood will not disturb them too much
Common Gull: flock of about 20 near Ensay House
Kittiwake: 1 at the mouth of Calgary Bay, several far out may have been this species
Black Guillemot; 1 in Calgary Bay (south side)
Guillemot/Razorbill: several
Starling: flock of about 30+ and flock of 8 near Treshnish House
Northern Wheatear: a male singing at Calgary Bay (south side)
April 12
Hen Harrier: 1 male near Treshnish woods (MW)
April 13
Manx Shearwater: 4+ at about 3pm and 1 at 7pm at mouth of Calgary Bay, all much closer in than on previous days
Unidentified shearwater: 1 with much paler upperparts further out in the Sound of Coll, possibly Cory's Shearwater
Golden Eagle: 2 at Calgary
Puffin: 1 at Calgary Bay south side
Auks: Many of the three common auks species seen but not numerous
Unidentified diver: 1 at mouth of Calgary Bay
Kittiwake: 100+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay, present for at least one hour
Common Gull: 28 at Calgary beach
Black-headed Gull: 1 at Calgary beach (my first of the spring)
Greylag Goose: 2 at Calgary Bay, 4 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary Bay, 11 at Dervaig Loch
Mallard: 6 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 5 at Dervaig Loch
Goldeneye: 7 at Dervaig Loch
Common Teal: 6 at Dervaig Loch
Curlew: about 3 at Dervaig Loch
Redshank: 1 at Calgary Bay, 3+ at Dervaig Loch
Greenshank: 1 at Dervaig Loch
Oystercatcher: 21 at Calgary beach
Collared Dove: 1 at Dervaig
Fieldfare: 3 at Ensay House (the last of the season)
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Dervaig
Starling: flock of about 20 at Ensay House
April 14
Fulmar: at least 32 ledges were occupied on the western side of Treshnish Point, there were also many more flying around the cliffs. On the last visit (April 2nd) there were none on the ledges. Today was the first warm calm sunny day for some time
Gannet: 1 over the cliffs on the western side of Treshnish Point
Snipe: 2-3 calling and one drumming
Unidentified goose species: 2 flying around the point
Rock Dove: 5 on the western side of Treshnish Point
Starling: Near sunset at least two flocks totalling 95+ circled and dived and disappeared into a narrow cleft in the cliffs on the western side of Treshnish Point. Several times a flock of about 50 had dived into the cleft and sometimes but not every time they had circled back beneath the cliff so I was not sure of the total number. I found a position where I could look over the cliff to see how large this obviously roosting flock had become but I could not find the flock on a ledge when suddenly a lone Starling swooped down into the gorge and swung around beneath an overhang into what was obviously a cave! I could heard twittering calls which I presume were coming from this flock. I am sure that at least 95 birds were roosting in the cave but there may have been up to 200.
April 15
Barn Swallow: 1 at Treshnish House, NM3548, first for Treshnish Farm (JH)
Common Gull: the bird at Haunn (east cottage) has been joined by another, and one of them is very interested in the chimney
April 16
Manx Shearwater: 6 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Gannet: 6 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Fulmar: pairs still on ledges on Treshnish peninsula, many on Cairn na Burgh Beg, Treshnish Isles
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Unidentified Geese: low hundreds landed on the Cairn na Burgh Beg and/or Cairn na Burgh More, Treshnish Isles. It looked as though they came from the south-west
Snipe: 1
Puffin: 2 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Razorbill: 1 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching, many unidentified auks
Kittiwake: 8 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Collared Dove: 1 at Treshnish House (CC)
Overview April 10-16
Wildfowl species, which were previously thought to have departed, were seen again this week, including Whooper Swan at Treshnish and Goldeneye at Dervaig and Mishnish Lochs. There were no Goosander seen recently at Mishnish Lochs so perhaps they have already dispersed to their breeding sites. The first Arctic Skuas probably indicate that terns will be arriving fairly soon. The Fulmars appear to have taken up permanent residency on Treshnish peninsula. The only migrant passerines noted so far are Northern Wheatear, which is common and Barn Swallow (one). Occasionally small mixed groups of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits are still encountered. Skylarks have started to sing even on dull days but still only sporadically, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear are often heard singing and Snipe has also started drumming.
April 17
Gannet: 3+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay, one of which came right into the Bay
Great Northern Diver: 1 in winter plumage at the mouth of Calgary Bay (south side) and 1 in breeding plumage near Calgary beach
Red-throated Diver: 1 near Calgary beach
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr
Greylag Goose: 2 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs) and over 12 west of Tobermory
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 (incl. 2 males) at Loch Meadhoin and 1(possibly 3) at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Mallard: 2 at Loch an Torr, 6+ at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 5 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 3 at Dervaig Bay
Curlew: the usual few at Dervaig
Redshank: 3 at Dervaig
Kittiwake: 90+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay eventually drifting to within 100 yards of the south side of the shore, and over 100 a little further out. Six hours later the groups further out were still present.
Black-headed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Common Gull: only 3 at Calgary Bay, several at Dervaig calling, displaying and chasing Black-headed Gulls
Razorbill: 6+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay with the Kittiwakes, eventually within 100 yards of the south side of the shore and one at Calgary beach swimming in the shallow clear blue water so it was possible to see it hunting beneath the surface, amazingly fast like a penguin.
Collared Dove: 3 at Dervaig
Sand Martin: 2 at Loch an Torr, NM4552 (my first of the spring)
Barn Swallow: 1+ at Loch an Torr, NM4552 (my first of the spring)
April 18
Great Northern Diver: 2 in Calgary Bay, incl. one in breeding plumage (north side)
Manx Shearwater: 1 in Sound of Coll
Fulmar: 3 in Sound of Coll
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary beach
Common Gull: 22 at Calgary beach
Kittiwake: 1 in Sound of Coll
Razorbill: 10+ at mouth of Calgary Bay, north side
Rock Pipit: 2+ at Calgary Bay
April 19
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Camas an Lagain, 2 at Laggan Bay (1 in breeding plumage), 1 at Loch na Keel moulting into breeding plumage
Slavonian Grebe: 3 at Loch na Keel
Buzzard: 4 at Laggan Bay
Golden Eagle: 2 at Loch na Keel
White-tailed Eagle: 1 at Loch na Keel
Snow Goose: 2 at Laggan Bay
Greylag Goose: 2 at Laggan Bay, 7 at Loch na Keel, 6 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 6+ at Laggan Bay, several at Loch na Keel and Loch Ba
Shelduck: 1 at at Laggan Bay
Eider: 1+ at Laggan Bay
Great Black-backed Gull: a pair copulating at Laggan Bay
Black-headed Gull: 1 at Loch na Keel
Razorbill: 6+ at Laggan Bay
Lapwing: 4 at Loch Ba
Redshank: 1 at Laggan Bay, 1 at Loch na Keel
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Loch Ba, my first for Mull (NM5538)
Snipe: seen and heard calling at Loch Ba
Barn Swallow: 2 at Camas an Lagain (NM4441), 1 at Laggan Bay (NM4540), 1 at Dervaig (NM4351), 1 at Treshnish House (NM3548)
Sand Martin: 7 at Loch Ba (NM5836)
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Loch Ba
Rock Pipit: 2+ at Laggan Bay
Willow Warbler: at least 2 singing at Loch Ba (NM5637, NM5836)
April 20
Great Northern Diver: 3 below Treshnish House
Manx Shearwater: 3 to the east of Treshnish Point
Golden Plover: 9 below Treshnish House
Common Sandpiper: 3 at the mouth of Ensay Burn, first for Treshnish Farm (NM3549)
Snipe: 12 flying over Treshnish House
Ring-billed Gull: 1 at Mishnish Lochs (David Hatfield on www.mullbirds.com)
Kittiwake: 100+ to the east of Treshnish Point
Auks: 70+ to the east of Treshnish Point, those nearest to the shore were mostly Razorbill: there were also 2 Puffins, 2 Black Guillemots and at least 2 Guillemots
Wood Pigeon: 3 at Treshnish Wood
Swallow: 5 at Treshnish House and probably the same five at the mouth of Ensay Burn (NM3549)
Willow Warbler: several heard in Treshnish woods (NM3548)
Rock Pipit: 2 at the mouth of Ensay Burn
Mountain Hare: 4 below Treshnish House (white tail and feet and much smaller ears than Common Hare)
April 21
Cuckoo: 1 in Treshnish Wood, the first for Treshnish Farm (SC) NM3548
April 22
Golden Plover: 25 near Haunn cottages (last of the spring)
Lesser Black-backed Gull: at least 6 near Treshnish Point
April 23
Great Northern Diver: 1 in breeding plumage at Calgary Bay
Red-throated Diver: 1 Loch an Torr, 1 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr, 1 at Loch Frisa (south end)
Shelduck: 2 at Calgary beach
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Calgary beach (NM3750)
Redshank: a pair in courtship ritual at Dervaig
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Frisa, my first of the spring (NM4850)
Barn Swallow: 5 at Lettermore, Loch Frisa (NM4948) and 10+ at Ledmore, Loch Frisa (NM5146)
Starlings: 35 at Ensay House
Willow Warbler: common at Loch Frisa (NM4750, 4850, 4849, 4949, 4948, 5048, 5047)
Overview April 17-23
Willow Warbler arrived in good numbers and numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins soon followed the first sightings. Whooper Swan and Goldeneye still present. First Cuckoos heard and first Common Sandpiper seen. Redshank were seen mating. The Shelduck have returned to Calgary beach. Lesser Black-backed Gull are becoming more common but are still present in small numbers. Golden Plover were seen again in flocks. Red-throated Diver are being seen more regularly. Large flocks of Kittiwake 100+ are regularly seen beyond the mouth of Calgary Bay. Pairs of Greylag Goose can be encountered along the north of Mull. The Slavonian Grebe at Loch na Keel were in breeding plumage. The flock of Greylag Goose west of Tobermory is present but much reduced.
April 24
Great Northern Diver: 1 in non-breeding plumage at Calgary Bay
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr
Greylag Goose: 6 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Red-breasted Merganser: 5 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 males and 1 female at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs); the males were displaying, and fighting over the female
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Calgary beach (NM3751), 2 at Loch an Torr (NM4552), 2 at Dervaig (NM4251)
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating at Dervaig
Common Gull: 23 at Ensay Farm and 40+ on the fields east of Calgary
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Meadhoin NM4752 (Mishnish Lochs), 2 at Loch Frisa (NM4750, NM4849)
Sand Martin: 5 at Loch Frisa (NM4850)
Tree Pipit: 2 at Loch Frisa, my first of the spring (NM4850 and NM4849)
Willow Warbler: 1 at Loch Meadhoin NM4752 (Mishnish Lochs)
Siskin: 2 at Loch Frisa (presumably fairly common in coniferous woodland, but my first on Mull)
April 25
Hen Harrier: 1 male at Haunn cottages (SC/JH)
Red-throated Diver: 1 at Loch an Torr
Whooper Swan: none at Loch an Torr
Goldeneye: none at Loch an Torr or Mishnish Lochs although it was very windy and they would have been hard to see
Guillemot: 1 in Tobermory harbour, only about 10 yards away
Common Gull: 24 at Ensay Farm
Cuckoo: 1 at Ensay Burn (NM3548)
Grey Wagtail: 1 on footpath from Tobermory to Aros Park
Bullfinch: a pair on footpath from Tobermory to Aros Park
April 26
Golden Eagle: 1 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 east of Beinn Duill (first for Treshnish Farm), 1 by Reudle House
[Goshawk: 1 east of Beinn Duill]
Curlew: only 1 heard calling on a round walk to Reudle House
Auks: numbers have built up in recent days. In the Sound of Coll there were many between Treshnish peninsular and the Treshnish Isles
Cuckoo: 1 east of Beinn Duill (NM3446), 2 by Reudle House (NM3646)
April 27
Great Northern Diver: 1 (non-breeding plumage) from below Treshnish house
Snipe: 3 calling and drumming near Haunn
Buzzard: 1 flying into the wood to the south of Treshnish House may have been approaching the nest-site
Golden Plover: heard near Haunn
Puffin: 2 from below Treshnish house
Black Guillemot: 1 from below Treshnish house
Common Gull: the pair are still in attendance at east cottage, Haunn
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30; possibly on passage or newly arrived
Goldfinch: 2 near the feeders at Treshnish House (first seen for some time)
Linnet: 1 near Treshnish cottages and 2 near Toechtamhor cottage (only the second record of the spring)
Twite: 1 near Toechtamhor cottage (first for Treshnish Farm)
Yellowhammer: 1 near Haunn cottages (first for Treshnish Farm)
April 28
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Goldfinch: 2 near the feeders at Treshnish House
April 29
[White-tailed Eagle: 1 flying south from about Crackaig was thought to be this species (SC)]
Cuckoo: a pair were seen, this is the first record of the year of a female (SC)
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
April 30
Sparrowhawk: 1 near Treshnish House
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Overview April 24-30
Twite and Yellowhammer were seen for the first time on Treshnish Farm and Linnet, which had been seen only once before was seen again. Goldfinch appeared at the house bird-feeders after an absence of several weeks. Kestrel has been seen for the first time this spring at Treshnish Farm and is hopefully breeding. Whooper Swan and Goldeneye were still present in north Mull but perhaps for the last week. Cuckoo has become common although no females seen yet. Snipe are commonly heard calling and drumming. Tree Pipit has not yet been seen at Treshnish Farm (seen and heard at Loch Frisa) and no Chiffchaff have been heard. Great Northern Divers are still present at Calgary Bay. With a telescope and good visibility three species of auks and Kittiwake are also easily seen in the Sound of Coll although Guillemot and Razorbill are difficult to distinguish unless seen at close range (Razorbill is by far the most common species so far). Puffin appears to be less common but should not be difficult to identify and although Manx Shearwater is guaranteed it may require some patience as at certain times it is obviously feeding elsewhere out of range. The morning is the best time for sea-watching, late in the day colours (or shades) are almost impossible to distinguish.
Grey Heron has not been seen for several days at Treshnish Farm and no Starling flocks have been seen recently.
No divers noted
Manx Shearwater: 2 flying south and then settling on the water out from the mouth of Calgary Bay NM3250 (first for Mull). Another shearwater seen further out and flying north at the same time was probably this species
Grey Heron: 1
Mallard: a pair on south side of Calgary Bay
Curlew: First heard in song at the Farm and at Calgary Bay
Common Gull: First pair forming noticed
Oystercatcher: flock of 15 at Calgary beach
Common Gull: flock of 30 at Calgary beach
Guillemot/Razorbill: 4 swimming and 4 flying at mouth of Calgary Bay and later a few small groups flying south far out at sea
Black Guillemot: 1 at the mouth of Calgary Bay (north side)
Guillemot: 1 at mouth of Calgary Bay (first definite sighting although very few auks are near enough to identify)
Starling: 60 at dusk by Treshnish House
Skylark: Singing more consistently when sunny
Northern Wheatear: 1 on southern edge of Calgary Bay (NM3650)
April 2
Shag: 34 perched on two rocks on Treshnish headland. There were only 2 Cormorants which gives a rough idea of the ratio of the two species
Fulmar: none sitting on ledges at Treshnish headland although there were 1-2 noted flying very close to the cliff
Manx Shearwater: 10+ flying around the fish shoals far out at the mouth of Calgary Bay (NM3250)
Eider: 3
Golden Eagle: 2 on Treshnish.
White-tailed Eagle: 1 immature passed along the shoreline from Treshnish Point to below the house and then heading towards Calgary beach. It had small red and white wing tags on each wing. It was thought to be a second year bird
Buzzards: 3 over the Treshnish wood area; one was tolerated for a while in collective (gliding into the wind type hunting) flight but was then chased off. Sky-diving also observed
Redshank: 1
Snipe: 1
Great Skua: 1 flew low around Treshnish Point, NM3348 (first for Mull)
Guillemot/Razorbill: At mid day there were flocks of 5-20 flying by, far out, every few minutes. By late-afternoon on there were few
Rock Dove: a pair perched on ledge at Treshnish headland were probably breeding or preparing to breed. There was probably another bird (pair?) there also
Skylark: no flocks noted today
Starling: no flocks noted today
Northern Wheatear: a pair and later a female (possibly same) NM3448
Overview April 1-2
Manx Shearwater are present in Sound of Coll and one Great Skua was seen. Northern Wheatear are present at Treshnish Farm and there has been an increase in Pied Wagtail numbers and territorial disputes occur occasionally. The Skylark flock appears to have dispersed. There is probably a Buzzard breeding in the woods on Treshnish Farm.
April 3
Buzzard: 2 and one calling and sky-diving
Kittiwake: 3 adults (first adults)
Manx Shearwater: 1
Eider: 3
Great Northern Diver: 1
Merlin: 1
Snipe: 1
Curlew: a pair with 1 calling
Starling: flock of about 25 (and another flock of about 20 possibly the same birds)
Northern Wheatear: 2
April 4
Manx Shearwater: none seen with several short periods of sea-watching
Grey Heron: 1 at Dervaig, 1 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Common Teal: a pair at Dervaig, 4 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Wigeon: 3 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 6+ at Dervaig
Goldeneye: 1 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 6 at mouth of Dervaig Loch
Mallard: 3 at Dervaig and 3 at the mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Greylag Goose: 9+around Dervaig and 2 between Dervaig and Calgary
Sparrowhawk: 1 at Dervaig
Kestrel: 1 at Dervaig
Curlew: 5 at Dervaig
Redshank: 9 at Dervaig
Greenshank: 1 at Dervaig
Lapwing: 9 at mouth of Dervaig Loch 'Dún Leathan'
Common Gull: flock of 30 and 3+ singles at Dervaig
Collared Dove: 6+ at Dervaig
Redwing: 9+ north of Quinish House, Dervaig
Mistle Thrush: several around Dervaig and north of Quinish House, Dervaig
Northern Wheatear: none seen north of Dervaig, perhaps the northern winds have slowed down their arrival
April 5
Golden Eagle: 1 above Ensay, 1 at Treshnish
Starling: flock of about 15 in the morning and 5 the evening
Wheatear: 10 between Haunn and Crackaig, one male was singing and displaying beautifully, fanning and displaying his tail (this species is now seen daily and no further note is necessary for Treshnish)
Meadow Pipit: a flock of over 60 near Crackaig, very few elsewhere on this cold damp day
Skylark: none noted!
Redwing: 1 by Shian cottage (the last of the season)
Linnet: 1 tame individual at Haunn may have been sick or injured (the first of this common, presumably local migrant)
No birds of any species, except Hooded Crow, noted at all, on a walk inland from Crackaig to Treshnish House during mild rain
April 6
Red-throated Diver: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Gannet: 2 at mouth of Calgary Bay
Eider: 3
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary beach
Mallard: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Golden Eagle: 2 at Calgary. One seen later between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Peregrine Falcon: 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
Oystercatcher: 20 Calgary beach
Redshank: 1 Calgary beach
Common Gull: flock of 47 Calgary beach (all but one adults)
Razorbill: 2 near Calgary beach
Guillemot: 1 Calgary Bay (south side)
Starling: flock of 60+
April 8
Golden Eagle: 1 between Treshnish and Haunn cottages
April 9
Whooper Swan: 17 flew from the east? and landed on the small lochan to the northeast of Treshnish House, stayed for about 5 hours, apparently there was a flock there also in October
Hen Harrier: 1 male over the low-lying area between Haunn and Treshnish Point, flew south
Sparrowhawk: 1 over Ensay House flew to Treshnish Farm
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Gannet: 1 in Calgary Bay
Fieldfare: 2 amongst a flock of Starlings in Treshnish wood by Ensay Burn
Skylark: flock of about 10
Meadow Pipit: flock of about 8
Starling: flock of about 20 in Treshnish wood and Ensay House
Goldcrest: one in Treshnish wood was displaying an incredibly vivid orange crest. Song heard also
Pied Wagtail: alarm call when Sparrowhawk flew over was a song given in flight
Overview April 3-9
Cold, wet weather with northerly winds may have slowed down the migration of winter migrant thrushes as several were noted this week, some may have been on passage from further south. Certainly Skylarks and Meadow Pipits are only singing sporadically; Goldcrest and Northern Wheatear were also heard singing and seen displaying. The flocks of Starlings, Common Gull and Greylag Goose are still intact although the Oystercatcher flock at Calgary beach has not been seen since the 6th of April. No Snipe were noted although this may be a result of lack of observer coverage.
April 10
Great Northern Diver: 2 at Calgary Bay, south side (incl. 1 in breeding plumage)
Gannet: 1
Greylag Goose: 6 east of Calgary, 37+ west of Tobermory
Eider Duck: 2 at Calgary Bay, 2 at Dervaig
Common Teal: 7 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: a pair at Calgary Bay (south side), 7 at Dervaig
Mallard: 2 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch an Torr, 2 at Mishnish Lochs
Goldeneye: 1 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch an Torr, 7 at Mishnish Lochs. This includes at least 3 adults in breeding plumage.
Black Guillemot: 3+ Calgary Bay (south side)
Guillemot: 1
Guillemot/Razorbill: several
Common Gull: 34 at Calgary Bay,
Arctic Skua: 2 flying south across the mouth of Calgary Bay, NM3349 (first for Mull)
Oystercatcher: only three at Calgary Bay
Redshank: 2 at Dervaig
Greenshank: 2 at Dervaig
Curlew: 1 at Dervaig, 1 at Calgary
Collared Dove: 2 at Dervaig
Starling: flock of 93 near Ensay House
Northern Wheatear: a male singing and displaying at Calgary Bay (south side)
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Dervaig
April 11
Great Northern Diver: 2 at Calgary Bay (incl. one in breeding plumage on the south side, presumably the same individual as yesterday)
Manx Shearwater: 11+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay
Gannet: 6+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay, 1 in the Bay itself.
Fulmar: 7+ individuals at the mouth of Calgary Bay, several far out may have been this species
Whooper Swan: about 17 seen flying above Treshnish House, presumably the same flock as on the 9th April
Red-breasted Merganser: 3 at Calgary Bay
Mallard: 2 at Calgary Bay
Golden Eagle: 1 at Treshnish
Buzzard: nest located at Ensay Burn wood hopefully the deer-fencing occurring in the wood will not disturb them too much
Common Gull: flock of about 20 near Ensay House
Kittiwake: 1 at the mouth of Calgary Bay, several far out may have been this species
Black Guillemot; 1 in Calgary Bay (south side)
Guillemot/Razorbill: several
Starling: flock of about 30+ and flock of 8 near Treshnish House
Northern Wheatear: a male singing at Calgary Bay (south side)
April 12
Hen Harrier: 1 male near Treshnish woods (MW)
April 13
Manx Shearwater: 4+ at about 3pm and 1 at 7pm at mouth of Calgary Bay, all much closer in than on previous days
Unidentified shearwater: 1 with much paler upperparts further out in the Sound of Coll, possibly Cory's Shearwater
Golden Eagle: 2 at Calgary
Puffin: 1 at Calgary Bay south side
Auks: Many of the three common auks species seen but not numerous
Unidentified diver: 1 at mouth of Calgary Bay
Kittiwake: 100+ at the mouth of Calgary Bay, present for at least one hour
Common Gull: 28 at Calgary beach
Black-headed Gull: 1 at Calgary beach (my first of the spring)
Greylag Goose: 2 at Calgary Bay, 4 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary Bay, 11 at Dervaig Loch
Mallard: 6 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 5 at Dervaig Loch
Goldeneye: 7 at Dervaig Loch
Common Teal: 6 at Dervaig Loch
Curlew: about 3 at Dervaig Loch
Redshank: 1 at Calgary Bay, 3+ at Dervaig Loch
Greenshank: 1 at Dervaig Loch
Oystercatcher: 21 at Calgary beach
Collared Dove: 1 at Dervaig
Fieldfare: 3 at Ensay House (the last of the season)
Mistle Thrush: 1 at Dervaig
Starling: flock of about 20 at Ensay House
April 14
Fulmar: at least 32 ledges were occupied on the western side of Treshnish Point, there were also many more flying around the cliffs. On the last visit (April 2nd) there were none on the ledges. Today was the first warm calm sunny day for some time
Gannet: 1 over the cliffs on the western side of Treshnish Point
Snipe: 2-3 calling and one drumming
Unidentified goose species: 2 flying around the point
Rock Dove: 5 on the western side of Treshnish Point
Starling: Near sunset at least two flocks totalling 95+ circled and dived and disappeared into a narrow cleft in the cliffs on the western side of Treshnish Point. Several times a flock of about 50 had dived into the cleft and sometimes but not every time they had circled back beneath the cliff so I was not sure of the total number. I found a position where I could look over the cliff to see how large this obviously roosting flock had become but I could not find the flock on a ledge when suddenly a lone Starling swooped down into the gorge and swung around beneath an overhang into what was obviously a cave! I could heard twittering calls which I presume were coming from this flock. I am sure that at least 95 birds were roosting in the cave but there may have been up to 200.
April 15
Barn Swallow: 1 at Treshnish House, NM3548, first for Treshnish Farm (JH)
Common Gull: the bird at Haunn (east cottage) has been joined by another, and one of them is very interested in the chimney
April 16
Manx Shearwater: 6 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Gannet: 6 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Fulmar: pairs still on ledges on Treshnish peninsula, many on Cairn na Burgh Beg, Treshnish Isles
Golden Eagle: 2 at Treshnish
Unidentified Geese: low hundreds landed on the Cairn na Burgh Beg and/or Cairn na Burgh More, Treshnish Isles. It looked as though they came from the south-west
Snipe: 1
Puffin: 2 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Razorbill: 1 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching, many unidentified auks
Kittiwake: 8 off Haunn in 30 minutes sea-watching
Collared Dove: 1 at Treshnish House (CC)
Overview April 10-16
Wildfowl species, which were previously thought to have departed, were seen again this week, including Whooper Swan at Treshnish and Goldeneye at Dervaig and Mishnish Lochs. There were no Goosander seen recently at Mishnish Lochs so perhaps they have already dispersed to their breeding sites. The first Arctic Skuas probably indicate that terns will be arriving fairly soon. The Fulmars appear to have taken up permanent residency on Treshnish peninsula. The only migrant passerines noted so far are Northern Wheatear, which is common and Barn Swallow (one). Occasionally small mixed groups of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits are still encountered. Skylarks have started to sing even on dull days but still only sporadically, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear are often heard singing and Snipe has also started drumming.
April 17
Gannet: 3+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay, one of which came right into the Bay
Great Northern Diver: 1 in winter plumage at the mouth of Calgary Bay (south side) and 1 in breeding plumage near Calgary beach
Red-throated Diver: 1 near Calgary beach
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr
Greylag Goose: 2 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs) and over 12 west of Tobermory
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 (incl. 2 males) at Loch Meadhoin and 1(possibly 3) at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs)
Mallard: 2 at Loch an Torr, 6+ at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 5 at Dervaig Loch
Eider: 3 at Dervaig Bay
Curlew: the usual few at Dervaig
Redshank: 3 at Dervaig
Kittiwake: 90+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay eventually drifting to within 100 yards of the south side of the shore, and over 100 a little further out. Six hours later the groups further out were still present.
Black-headed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Common Gull: only 3 at Calgary Bay, several at Dervaig calling, displaying and chasing Black-headed Gulls
Razorbill: 6+ at the mouth of the Calgary Bay with the Kittiwakes, eventually within 100 yards of the south side of the shore and one at Calgary beach swimming in the shallow clear blue water so it was possible to see it hunting beneath the surface, amazingly fast like a penguin.
Collared Dove: 3 at Dervaig
Sand Martin: 2 at Loch an Torr, NM4552 (my first of the spring)
Barn Swallow: 1+ at Loch an Torr, NM4552 (my first of the spring)
April 18
Great Northern Diver: 2 in Calgary Bay, incl. one in breeding plumage (north side)
Manx Shearwater: 1 in Sound of Coll
Fulmar: 3 in Sound of Coll
Red-breasted Merganser: 1 at Calgary beach
Common Gull: 22 at Calgary beach
Kittiwake: 1 in Sound of Coll
Razorbill: 10+ at mouth of Calgary Bay, north side
Rock Pipit: 2+ at Calgary Bay
April 19
Great Northern Diver: 1 at Camas an Lagain, 2 at Laggan Bay (1 in breeding plumage), 1 at Loch na Keel moulting into breeding plumage
Slavonian Grebe: 3 at Loch na Keel
Buzzard: 4 at Laggan Bay
Golden Eagle: 2 at Loch na Keel
White-tailed Eagle: 1 at Loch na Keel
Snow Goose: 2 at Laggan Bay
Greylag Goose: 2 at Laggan Bay, 7 at Loch na Keel, 6 at Dervaig
Red-breasted Merganser: 6+ at Laggan Bay, several at Loch na Keel and Loch Ba
Shelduck: 1 at at Laggan Bay
Eider: 1+ at Laggan Bay
Great Black-backed Gull: a pair copulating at Laggan Bay
Black-headed Gull: 1 at Loch na Keel
Razorbill: 6+ at Laggan Bay
Lapwing: 4 at Loch Ba
Redshank: 1 at Laggan Bay, 1 at Loch na Keel
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Loch Ba, my first for Mull (NM5538)
Snipe: seen and heard calling at Loch Ba
Barn Swallow: 2 at Camas an Lagain (NM4441), 1 at Laggan Bay (NM4540), 1 at Dervaig (NM4351), 1 at Treshnish House (NM3548)
Sand Martin: 7 at Loch Ba (NM5836)
Grey Wagtail: 1 at Loch Ba
Rock Pipit: 2+ at Laggan Bay
Willow Warbler: at least 2 singing at Loch Ba (NM5637, NM5836)
April 20
Great Northern Diver: 3 below Treshnish House
Manx Shearwater: 3 to the east of Treshnish Point
Golden Plover: 9 below Treshnish House
Common Sandpiper: 3 at the mouth of Ensay Burn, first for Treshnish Farm (NM3549)
Snipe: 12 flying over Treshnish House
Ring-billed Gull: 1 at Mishnish Lochs (David Hatfield on www.mullbirds.com)
Kittiwake: 100+ to the east of Treshnish Point
Auks: 70+ to the east of Treshnish Point, those nearest to the shore were mostly Razorbill: there were also 2 Puffins, 2 Black Guillemots and at least 2 Guillemots
Wood Pigeon: 3 at Treshnish Wood
Swallow: 5 at Treshnish House and probably the same five at the mouth of Ensay Burn (NM3549)
Willow Warbler: several heard in Treshnish woods (NM3548)
Rock Pipit: 2 at the mouth of Ensay Burn
Mountain Hare: 4 below Treshnish House (white tail and feet and much smaller ears than Common Hare)
April 21
Cuckoo: 1 in Treshnish Wood, the first for Treshnish Farm (SC) NM3548
April 22
Golden Plover: 25 near Haunn cottages (last of the spring)
Lesser Black-backed Gull: at least 6 near Treshnish Point
April 23
Great Northern Diver: 1 in breeding plumage at Calgary Bay
Red-throated Diver: 1 Loch an Torr, 1 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr, 1 at Loch Frisa (south end)
Shelduck: 2 at Calgary beach
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Calgary beach (NM3750)
Redshank: a pair in courtship ritual at Dervaig
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Frisa, my first of the spring (NM4850)
Barn Swallow: 5 at Lettermore, Loch Frisa (NM4948) and 10+ at Ledmore, Loch Frisa (NM5146)
Starlings: 35 at Ensay House
Willow Warbler: common at Loch Frisa (NM4750, 4850, 4849, 4949, 4948, 5048, 5047)
Overview April 17-23
Willow Warbler arrived in good numbers and numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins soon followed the first sightings. Whooper Swan and Goldeneye still present. First Cuckoos heard and first Common Sandpiper seen. Redshank were seen mating. The Shelduck have returned to Calgary beach. Lesser Black-backed Gull are becoming more common but are still present in small numbers. Golden Plover were seen again in flocks. Red-throated Diver are being seen more regularly. Large flocks of Kittiwake 100+ are regularly seen beyond the mouth of Calgary Bay. Pairs of Greylag Goose can be encountered along the north of Mull. The Slavonian Grebe at Loch na Keel were in breeding plumage. The flock of Greylag Goose west of Tobermory is present but much reduced.
April 24
Great Northern Diver: 1 in non-breeding plumage at Calgary Bay
Whooper Swan: 1 at Loch an Torr
Greylag Goose: 6 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Red-breasted Merganser: 5 at Dervaig, 2 at Loch Frisa (north end)
Goldeneye: 1 male at Loch an Torr, 3 males and 1 female at Loch Peallach (Mishnish Lochs); the males were displaying, and fighting over the female
Common Sandpiper: 2 at Calgary beach (NM3751), 2 at Loch an Torr (NM4552), 2 at Dervaig (NM4251)
Oystercatcher: a pair copulating at Dervaig
Common Gull: 23 at Ensay Farm and 40+ on the fields east of Calgary
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 2 at Dervaig
Cuckoo: 1 at Loch Meadhoin NM4752 (Mishnish Lochs), 2 at Loch Frisa (NM4750, NM4849)
Sand Martin: 5 at Loch Frisa (NM4850)
Tree Pipit: 2 at Loch Frisa, my first of the spring (NM4850 and NM4849)
Willow Warbler: 1 at Loch Meadhoin NM4752 (Mishnish Lochs)
Siskin: 2 at Loch Frisa (presumably fairly common in coniferous woodland, but my first on Mull)
April 25
Hen Harrier: 1 male at Haunn cottages (SC/JH)
Red-throated Diver: 1 at Loch an Torr
Whooper Swan: none at Loch an Torr
Goldeneye: none at Loch an Torr or Mishnish Lochs although it was very windy and they would have been hard to see
Guillemot: 1 in Tobermory harbour, only about 10 yards away
Common Gull: 24 at Ensay Farm
Cuckoo: 1 at Ensay Burn (NM3548)
Grey Wagtail: 1 on footpath from Tobermory to Aros Park
Bullfinch: a pair on footpath from Tobermory to Aros Park
April 26
Golden Eagle: 1 at Treshnish
Kestrel: 1 east of Beinn Duill (first for Treshnish Farm), 1 by Reudle House
[Goshawk: 1 east of Beinn Duill]
Curlew: only 1 heard calling on a round walk to Reudle House
Auks: numbers have built up in recent days. In the Sound of Coll there were many between Treshnish peninsular and the Treshnish Isles
Cuckoo: 1 east of Beinn Duill (NM3446), 2 by Reudle House (NM3646)
April 27
Great Northern Diver: 1 (non-breeding plumage) from below Treshnish house
Snipe: 3 calling and drumming near Haunn
Buzzard: 1 flying into the wood to the south of Treshnish House may have been approaching the nest-site
Golden Plover: heard near Haunn
Puffin: 2 from below Treshnish house
Black Guillemot: 1 from below Treshnish house
Common Gull: the pair are still in attendance at east cottage, Haunn
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30; possibly on passage or newly arrived
Goldfinch: 2 near the feeders at Treshnish House (first seen for some time)
Linnet: 1 near Treshnish cottages and 2 near Toechtamhor cottage (only the second record of the spring)
Twite: 1 near Toechtamhor cottage (first for Treshnish Farm)
Yellowhammer: 1 near Haunn cottages (first for Treshnish Farm)
April 28
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Goldfinch: 2 near the feeders at Treshnish House
April 29
[White-tailed Eagle: 1 flying south from about Crackaig was thought to be this species (SC)]
Cuckoo: a pair were seen, this is the first record of the year of a female (SC)
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
April 30
Sparrowhawk: 1 near Treshnish House
Meadow Pipit: flocks of up to 30
Overview April 24-30
Twite and Yellowhammer were seen for the first time on Treshnish Farm and Linnet, which had been seen only once before was seen again. Goldfinch appeared at the house bird-feeders after an absence of several weeks. Kestrel has been seen for the first time this spring at Treshnish Farm and is hopefully breeding. Whooper Swan and Goldeneye were still present in north Mull but perhaps for the last week. Cuckoo has become common although no females seen yet. Snipe are commonly heard calling and drumming. Tree Pipit has not yet been seen at Treshnish Farm (seen and heard at Loch Frisa) and no Chiffchaff have been heard. Great Northern Divers are still present at Calgary Bay. With a telescope and good visibility three species of auks and Kittiwake are also easily seen in the Sound of Coll although Guillemot and Razorbill are difficult to distinguish unless seen at close range (Razorbill is by far the most common species so far). Puffin appears to be less common but should not be difficult to identify and although Manx Shearwater is guaranteed it may require some patience as at certain times it is obviously feeding elsewhere out of range. The morning is the best time for sea-watching, late in the day colours (or shades) are almost impossible to distinguish.
Grey Heron has not been seen for several days at Treshnish Farm and no Starling flocks have been seen recently.
